Common Methods to Know Your Ideal Weight
Ideal body weight refers to the healthy weight range based on several factors, such as height, age, gender, etc. It helps you set fitness goals, identify potential health risks, and track your progress. The most popular and simple way to calculate your ideal body weight based on height and age is by using an online ideal weight calculator.
Here are some other common ways to determine your ideal body weight:
1
Devine Formula
The Devine Formula is one of the most commonly used methods to estimate the ideal body weight for adults based on height and gender. It aligns well with the BMI ranges and is commonly used in clinical and health insurance settings. The Devina Formula is given below:
Men: 50 kg + 2.3 kg for every inch over 5 feet
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.3 kg for every inch over 5 feet
2
Robinson Formula
Robinson Formula is more reliable if you have a smaller body frame. It is often used in wellness and cosmetic health assessments. The Robinson Formula to calculate ideal body weight is given below:
Men: 52 kg + 1.9 kg for every inch over 5 feet
Women: 49 kg + 1.7 kg for every inch over 5 feet
3
Miller Formula
Miller Formula is appropriate if you have an athletic or muscular build, as it considers additional muscle weight. You can calculate your ideal weight based on height and age using the Miller Formula given below:
Men: 56.2 kg + 1.41 kg for every inch over 5 feet
Women: 53.1 kg + 1.36 kg for every inch over 5 feet
4
Hamwi Formula
Hamwi Formula is one of the oldest and strictest ideal weight formulas used for pre-surgical planning and managing chronic diseases. The Hamwi formula is given below:
Men: 48 kg + 2.7 kg for every inch over 5 feet
Women: 45.5 kg + 2.2 kg for every inch over 5 feet
5
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI is one of the most common ways to assess your health based on your weight and height. It classifies you as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. You can estimate your BMI by dividing your weight in kg by your height in meters squared or using a BMI Calculator. The following table highlights the BMI range as per the World Health Organization (WHO):
BMI Range
Classification
Below 18.5
Underweight
18.5 – 24.9
Normal weight
30.0 – 34.9
Overweight or Pre-obesity
30 - 34.9
Obese Class I
35.0 – 39.9
Obese Class II
More than 40
Obesity Class III
6
Waist-to-Height Ratio
The Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) measures the body fat distribution by assessing your waist or abdominal fat and height. It is calculated by dividing the waist circumference (in cm) by the height (in cm). The ratio is used to flag chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. A WHtR below 0.5 is considered healthy for both men and women. You can use the following chart to calculate your ideal weight based on the waist-to-height ratio:
Waist-to-Height Ratio
Health Risk Interpretation
Less than 0.40
Underweight
0.40 – 0.49
Healthy
0.50 – 0.59
Overweight
>0.60
Obese

FAQs

  • Q. How to calculate ideal weight according to height and age?

    Ans: You can calculate your ideal weight according to your height and age using the Devine Formula, Robinson Formula, Miller Formula and Hamwi Formula. You can also use an ideal weight calculator on Policybazaar.com to know your ideal body weight.
  • Q. Which formula is best for ideal weight calculation?

    Ans: The Devine Formula is one of the most popular formulas for calculating your ideal weight.
  • Q. How to determine your ideal weight in Kg?

    Ans: You can determine your ideal weight in kg using an ideal weight calculator on websites like policybazaar.com.
  • Q. Can ideal weight differ between men and women?

    Ans: Yes, ideal weight differs for men and women. This happens because men typically have more muscle mass than women, which affects their ideal body weight.
  • Q. Is BMI a reliable way to check ideal weight based on age and height?

    Ans: BMI can be helpful, but it is not the most reliable way to check your ideal weight as per your age and height. BMI has some limitations, like it ignores the distinction between fat and muscle, fat distribution, age, gender, etc., and thus, is not the most suitable to calculate your ideal body weight.
  • Q. How often should I check my ideal weight based on my age and height?

    Ans: It is a good practice to check and monitor your weight regularly based on your age and height. You can use an ideal weight calculator online to determine your ideal body weight.
  • Q. Are ideal weight charts accurate?

    Ans: Ideal weight charts can only help you give a general idea about your target weight based on height and age but are not very accurate. This is because they do not consider differences in bone density, muscle mass, or overall health status.
  • Q. Are ideal weight calculators accurate?

    Ans: Yes. Ideal weight calculators, like the one available on Policybazaar.com, are quite accurate.